How To Use CPT Code 35261

CPT 35261 describes the repair of an abnormal or injured blood vessel in the neck using a non-venous graft. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 35261?

CPT 35261 is used to describe the repair of a blood vessel in the neck with a non-venous graft. This code is used when the provider makes an incision in the neck to access the damaged vessel, and then sutures a synthetic graft into place to repair the vessel. The procedure involves controlling bleeding, clamping the vessel, and ensuring normal blood flow through the repaired vessel.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 35261 is: ‘Repair blood vessel with graft other than vein; neck.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider prepares the patient and makes an incision in the neck to access the damaged blood vessel.
2. Soft tissue and vessels may be dissected and moved as necessary to reach the target area.
3. Bleeding is controlled manually.
4. The provider clamps the neck vessel proximally and distally to the defect.
5. A non-venous graft, typically synthetic, is sutured into place to repair the vessel.
6. The provider checks for normal blood flow through the repaired vessel, possibly using a Doppler probe.
7. The incision is repaired with sutures.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 35261 is used when a blood vessel in the neck requires repair with a non-venous graft. The procedure is typically performed on patients with abnormal or injured blood vessels in the neck. The provider must use a non-venous graft, such as a synthetic graft, to repair the vessel.

5. When to use CPT code 35261

CPT code 35261 should be used when a provider performs a repair of a blood vessel in the neck using a non-venous graft. This code is appropriate when the procedure involves the use of a synthetic graft and is performed on a blood vessel in the neck. It should not be used when a vein graft is used for the repair, in which case CPT code 35231 should be used instead.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 35261, the provider must document the following information:

• The diagnosis or reason for the repair
• The use of a non-venous graft
• The date and details of the procedure
• The steps taken during the procedure, including any dissection or vessel manipulation
• The use of clamps and sutures
• The assessment of normal blood flow through the repaired vessel
• The closure of the incision

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 35261, ensure that the procedure involves the repair of a blood vessel in the neck using a non-venous graft. It is important to use the correct CPT code based on the specific circumstances of the procedure. If a vein graft is used instead of a non-venous graft, CPT code 35231 should be used. It is also important to follow any additional guidelines provided by the payer or coding guidelines.

8. Historical information

CPT 35261 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates or changes to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A provider repairs an abnormal blood vessel in the neck using a synthetic graft.
2. A patient undergoes a procedure to repair an injured blood vessel in the neck with a non-venous graft.
3. A surgeon performs a repair of a damaged blood vessel in the neck using a synthetic graft.
4. A provider sutures a non-venous graft into place to repair an abnormal blood vessel in the neck.
5. A patient undergoes a procedure to repair a blood vessel in the neck with a non-venous graft.
6. A surgeon performs a repair of an injured blood vessel in the neck using a synthetic graft.
7. A provider uses a non-venous graft to repair an abnormal blood vessel in the neck.
8. A patient undergoes a procedure to repair a damaged blood vessel in the neck with a synthetic graft.
9. A surgeon sutures a synthetic graft into place to repair an injured blood vessel in the neck.
10. A provider performs a repair of an abnormal blood vessel in the neck using a non-venous graft.